Why locally?
Climate warming greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from local sources. The buildings we live and work in, their sources of electrical power, and transportation account for nearly all GHG emissions. Los Angeles agencies like the Department of Water & Power (LA DWP) and the Department of Building and Safety (LA DBS) can make a big impact on reducing GHG emissions.
What is LWV LA's current focus?
LA DWP is the largest municipally owned utility in the nation. In a typical city the production of electricity is one of the largest sources of GHGs. And in Los Angeles 40% of our power is derived from burning coal, the worst GHG-emitting source of electrical power.
LA DWP has just drafted their 2010 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The plan is a 20 year framework for how DWP will meet the city's future energy needs, including strategies for developing renewable energy sources. The implementation of the IRP presents an opportunity for advocacy for LWVLA. We aim to ensure that DWP's plans are transparent to the community and that a greater percentage of our electrical power is obtained from clean and renewable resources.
What is LWV LA doing?
-Informing ourselves and the community on carbon reduction public policy CC: Global Consequence Local Action
-Attending LADWP workshops & forums.
-Advocating our position to the DWP Board of Commissioners and the City Council.
-Advocating our position in the media
-Working with other climate change focused organizations
How can you help make change happen?
-Join the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles
-Join the CRaCC committee which meets monthly to discuss strategy and promote initiatives to address climate change locally. For more information email Margie Engel at green@LWVlosangeles.org.
Learn more about League positions on climate change and explore this toolkit for action
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